Knoxville, TN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Knoxville Code of Ordinances Sec. 23-71 makes it unlawful to open, disturb, or build within any city street or right-of-way, including sidewalks, or to work so close to one that it creates a hazardous roadway condition or restricts pedestrian or vehicle flow, without first obtaining a right-of-way permit and, where needed, a temporary traffic control permit from the Department of Engineering. Applications for mains, conduits, manholes, or other subsurface structures must include a construction plan and cross sections showing existing underground structures and the proposed location. A copy of the permit and approved traffic control plan must stay at the work site for city inspection. Emergency work, such as a leak, break, or failure that creates an immediate hazard, may start without a permit, but the permittee must obtain one as soon as possible afterward.

The Department of Engineering may require a bond or certificate of insurance before issuing a permit (Sec. 23-74), and may assign an inspector on unusual or difficult jobs, charging the permittee in advance under the Sec. 23-75 fee schedule: $15.00 minimum for the first 20 square yards of pavement or sidewalk work plus $0.50 per additional square yard ($5.00 minimum plus $0.15 per square yard for earth or gravel), with a $5.00 minimum charge for any permit. Anyone who damages a street, sidewalk, or right-of-way must restore it to its prior condition and stays liable for later settling or disrepair (Sec. 23-76). Repairs on a hazardous site must start immediately on notice; otherwise the Department of Engineering allows ten days, or longer if approved. All work is done under the Department of Engineering's review and approval (Sec. 23-77), and lane-blocking work on a principal collector or arterial is restricted on weekdays to before 6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or after 6:30 p.m. (Sec. 23-78(e)). The director of engineering may also issue an annual maintenance permit for existing utility facilities in the right-of-way (Sec. 23-83).